Wood Sage is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in woodland, hedgerows and dry ground, to a mature height of up to 60cm.
Despite the name, Wood Sage is not directly related to the Common Sage used in cooking (Salvia officinalis) and is not used as a culinary herb. Wood Sage does, however, share some visual similarities with other sages: it is a woody sub-shrub with square stems; it has downy, crinkly-edged leaves; and it bears two-lipped flowers on long spikes. Characteristic of Wood Sage is its paired flowers, borne on opposite sides of the stem, but growing together so that they are parallel, to face the midday sun (south in the UK).
Botanic classification and naming: Wood Sage is a member of the Mint (Lamiaceae) family. The genus name
'Teucrium' identifies the plant as a Germander and its species name 'scorodonia' means 'garlic'.
Concerns: Wood Sage contains poisonous compounds.
Benefits: Attracts a wide range of insects and is the host plant of the Wood Sage Flea Beetle. Provides a good source of seeds for birds to feed on.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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